The Commonwealth of
Kentucky has a rich history in viticulture and enology. It was once the third largest grape
and wine producer in the United States in the late
1800's. During Prohibition, however, vines were either uprooted or left to die,
which has essentially ruined Kentucky's Grape and Wine Industry.

Wine and table grape production is a
profitable and expanding market, representing a viable economic
alternative to the declining tobacco industry in Kentucky. Through a cost-share program supported by the
Kentucky's Vineyard Assistance Program, over 250 acres
of grapes have been planted in Kentucky. In 2000,
Kentucky State University (KSU) received a grant from the
Kentucky Vineyard Assistance Program for $3,000 to
support the establishment of the Vineyard at KSU. The KSU vineyard was established to
demonstrate management techniques to the public and to
evaluate yield and disease resistance of various grape cultivars in Kentucky.

In 2003, USDA Capacity Building grant entitled:
"Sustainable control of grape black rot, Japanese
beetle, and leafhoppers in the Southeastern United
States" by Drs. Jonathan Egilla (formerly of KSU) and Kirk W.
Pomper was funded.
Pesticides approved for organic and home fruit
production, which are environment-friendly and less-toxic to
humans, together with the particle film
technology (Surround®)
will be used in the research. The project goal is to identify sustainable, environmentally
safe pest management strategies that reduce dependence
on conventional chemical pesticides, while improving the
yield and quality of grapes, and our natural environment.
Dr. Sanjun Gu currently leads the project.